tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75259375944711077242024-03-14T03:16:43.503-07:00Chres' JournalAbout his life, work, journey, views and just about anything and everything.chreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817681437789523557noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7525937594471107724.post-59923021528608905482008-06-28T10:49:00.000-07:002008-06-29T13:06:36.008-07:00Stubborn Customer<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">I've been working in the call center industry for more than 2 years now from different call centers and contrary to what people say, working here isn't easy. This job will certainly test your patience and the stress brought by your stubborn customers will definitely take the zip out of your life at the end of your shift. I have spoken to different types of people and despite the length of my experience in customer service, there are still customers who never failed to make me utter the crassest words stacked in the recesses of my brain. The trite expression "you can't please all people" holds true in our jobs. And this customer I had earlier made me curse to death. </span></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><div align="justify"><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The customer wanted to add a hyperlink in his webmail account. However, that is not possible as there is no way to add hypelinks in his free web-based email. With all the empathy, positive scripting and what have you in the call center world, I told him about it. The customer did not buy what I said and demanded a supervisor. <em>"I want to speak to your supervisor and I want this problem fixed right now"</em> were his exact words. There were no supervisors visible that time and if there was one, I'm certain he wouldn't accept it as this issue is not really escalatable anyway. </span></div><div align="justify"><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">With all the mettle I could muster, I typed this. <em>"Sir, I understand you want to add hyperlinks in your email, however, that's not possible as there is no option to add hyperlinks in your web-based email. There is nothing to fix because there is no problem at all. The feature you are asking is simply not available. Understand that." </em></span></div><div align="justify"><em><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></em><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">And then viola, "the user left and abandoned the chat page" message showed up. Mr. Stubborn closed our chat session. </span></div><p><span style="font-family:Arial;">This world is really peppered with snotty jerks. They are stubborn, insufferable, irrational people who always want to get their way.</span></span></p>chreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817681437789523557noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7525937594471107724.post-81309452454492238352008-06-15T11:02:00.000-07:002008-06-15T12:55:27.027-07:00Funny SMS<span style="font-family:arial;">Inday: <em>(Speaking in English twang)</em> Mr. conductor, can you please carry my LUGGAGE for me. It's quite heavy kasi eh.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Konduktor: Sure mum. Saan deto? <em>(with a distinct Bisaya accent)</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Inday: That thing over there?</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Konduktor: Ito po ba? <em>(pointing at the Louie Vuitton luggage)</em></span><em><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></em><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Inday: Nope.. The other one.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Konduktor: Itong trolley mum?</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Inday: Nope. <em>(Whispering)</em> That one! </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Konduktor: <em>(Uttering in a loud voice)</em> Ah itong SAKO !?!?!?!?!?</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Inday: <em>(A bit embarrassed but still cocky)</em> It's a bag made of SYNTHESIZED POLYESTER!!!!</span>chreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817681437789523557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7525937594471107724.post-69885412835761744502008-06-15T09:40:00.000-07:002008-06-15T12:56:28.303-07:00MRT Fun<p align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">This story was related to me by a friend of a friend. Friends A and B had a rendezvous at SM Mall of Asia. Since B was new to the metropolis, riding a train was a bit alien to her. A, arrived earlier than the agreed time and asked B to take MRT so she can get there faster. B, being adventurous and always on the go, took her first MRT ride all by herself. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;">A, waited for almost an hour and was wondering why B hasn't arrived yet. She texted B and this was her reply:</span></p><p><em><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#ffff33;">"Pasensiya na A, malalate ako ng kunti kasi bumalik yong train eh. May naiwan na pasahero yata"</span></em></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;">That text message made A's day full of laughter .... Apparently, B, did not get off at the last station. </span></p>chreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817681437789523557noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7525937594471107724.post-84236156931419324142008-06-13T11:28:00.000-07:002008-06-15T12:54:51.650-07:00Poor Lady<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">I took a bus going home and there was this <em>"maarte"</em> lady who wants to get off at the MRT Annapolis station. There are designated bays where buses can load and unload passengers in that area and when our bus stopped at the unloading bay, the conductor told her to get off and she just have to make few walks going to Annapolis station. But the lady brazenly refused to get off as she wants the bus to stop right in front of the MRT station. The conductor just shrugged it off and continued collecting fare. While our bus was already beside the MRT station, the lady told the driver to stop. But the driver did not hear her and the conductor deliberately ignored her cry. Out of sheer frustration, the poor lady shouted scornfully and told the driver to stop the bus so she can get off. Unfortunately, her desperate effort went futile as the bus can no longer stop as we were already taking the flyover. The bus can only take a halt at the next unloading bay which is really far from the MRT Annapolis station. Poor lady, she had walked under the scorching heat of the sun on her high heels and sexy dress. <em>(Nawala tuloy poise niya)</em> She wouldn't have suffered that much if she had gotten off when the conductor told her so. </span></div><div align="justify"><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">After the lady got off, this thing came into my mind. Let's just say the conductor's adherence to the loading and unloading policy is admirable. But, would it hurt him if he had told the driver to stop right in front of the MRT station and showed an act of chivalry and courtesy to the lady knowing that there were no traffic enforcers to apprehend them anyway? </span></div>chreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817681437789523557noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7525937594471107724.post-75655588640357111022008-05-27T09:50:00.000-07:002008-12-11T14:08:39.323-08:00Doraemon<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgREUikWLwgKG7DoT92YXbfCU2sJBoWjGXMaFidsVzyBBWyMe5ECYMkH_3ujKKAzshZVDZCn96w0_7wCSSRwG2z6Hx-e4NHX8uYx99nAFEifvtP12xK0ugb-VnlaaDaMkE0JAeMWn2uhXI/s1600-h/doreamon.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205101745877623122" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgREUikWLwgKG7DoT92YXbfCU2sJBoWjGXMaFidsVzyBBWyMe5ECYMkH_3ujKKAzshZVDZCn96w0_7wCSSRwG2z6Hx-e4NHX8uYx99nAFEifvtP12xK0ugb-VnlaaDaMkE0JAeMWn2uhXI/s320/doreamon.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">I am not fond of watching local TV stations like ABS-CBN or GMA but I'm just thankful that the latter station introduced </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doraemon"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#cc6600;">Doraemon</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> and reaired it. I love this show so much. Doraemon is said to be Asia's most popular anime icon and had graced the cover of Time Asia magazine where it was selected as one of the 22 Asian Heroes (the only anime character selected!). In March 2008, Japan's Foreign Ministry appointed Doraemon as the nation's first "anime ambassador." Cool!!.</span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">The cute talking blue robot, Doraemon, is different from other famous anime series in the sense that it is a comedy about a child's fantasy of the real world. Most popular animes we see today revolve on fight scenes showing swift moves and cool action sequences. Most of Doraemon's episodes depict moral lessons about honesty, perseverance, courage, etc. The series also tackles several noteworthy environmental issues like homeless animals, endangered species, deforestation, and pollution. Topics such as dinosaurs, the flat earth theory, wormhole traveling, Gulliver's Travels, and the history of Japan are also covered.<br /><br />For those clueless about Doraemon (I hope there's none), here's a refresher. Doraemon is a robotic cat, who travels back in time from the 22nd century to aid a schoolboy, Nobita Nobi. Nobita is a weak, coward, dim-witted and clumsy boy in almost everything he does. The only main female character is Shizuka, who serves as a semi-romantic girlfriend of Nobita, but otherwise a supporting, minor character. Nobita's main human friends, Suneo and Damulag (Gian in Japan), are both bullies to him when they are around together. However, Suneo seems to warm up kindly to Nobita if Gian is not with them. This suggests that Suneo is allied with Gian for only his power, so that he is well-protected from attack.<br /><br />The stories are formulaic, usually focused on the everyday struggles of fourth grader Nobita, the protagonist of the story. In a typical chapter, Nobita comes home crying about a problem he faces in school or the local neighborhood. After Nobita's pleading or goading, Doraemon produces a futuristic gadget to help Nobita fix his problem, enact revenge, or flaunt to his friends. Nobita usually goes too far, despite Doraemon's best intentions, and gets into deeper trouble than before. Sometimes, Nobita's friends (usually Suneo or Jaian) steal the gadgets and end up misusing them. However, by the end of the story, there is usually retribution to the characters who end up misusing them, and a moral lesson is taught. </span></div>chreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817681437789523557noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7525937594471107724.post-86495484869291663462008-05-11T09:30:00.000-07:002008-05-16T05:27:14.102-07:00Childhood Recollection<p align="justify">My teammates and I had a great time talking about our childhood memories. My childhood is one of the best chapters in my life and since these memories are still fresh in my mind, I decided to write about it. This childhood recollection made me realize how rambunctious, defiant and mischievous I was during my younger years. Seemed like I was a bit similar to "Denise the Menace". </p><p align="justify">1. <em>Sinister Me</em> - This was the wicked thing I ever did against mama and my older sister. When I was 7 years old, I punched my older sister on her back when she changed the channel from Popeye to a sappy ABS-CBN teenshow. Mama scolded me vehemently as punishment. Enraged, I went to my room sobbing and then prayed to the Lord to bring mama to heaven. When my anger trickled away and I started to realize my fault, I prayed back earnestly and revoked what I prayed earlier.<br /><br />2. <em>Frustrated Cook</em> - Mama came from the grocery store and left the plastic bag chockful of groceries in our kitchen. While she was resting, I sneaked in the kitchen and took the Maggi Soy Sauce and brought it to our playhouse. When she knew about it, the bottle was already half empty. Good thing mama was in good mood so I didn't taste her fury again. That was my first attempt in cooking. My ingredients were dragonflies, butterflies and grasshoppers mixed with gumamela flowers and leaves. Of course my playmates and I didn't eat it. </p><p align="justify">3. <em>Demanding Me</em> - I abhored going to church but mama forced me to do so. Since my playmates had been forced by their mama too, going there wasn't bad at all. One time during the month of May, Flores de Mayo, I refused to go to church for the reason that I was envious with my playmates as they had beautiful and freshly picked flowers. So I demanded my mama to buy me fresh flowers sold at the store near our house. Mama did it without complaints. </p><p align="justify">4. <em>Gambler, Not Quite</em> - I've learned how to play Tong-its and Chikicha at the age of 10. At that time, I already played it with money involved at school. One day after class, I threw my bag in the couch and rushed to the vacant lot upon seeing my playmates there playing patentero. My mama took my bag as she was suppose to place it at the study room but to my misfortune, the coins inside it made a noice. Out of curiousity, she opened it and to her astonishment, a purse chockful of coins and playing cards greeted her. Mama went ballistic and I ended up being spanked 5 times. Beside that I was given an award. And that award was a week of no TV and no playing outside the house. </p><p align="justify">5. <em>Duckling Killer</em> - One of our neighbors raised ducks and had them colored flamboyantly. One day, the owner forgot to lock their gate so the fancy ducklings escaped and intruded our backyard. Their cuteness and charming colors piqued my curiosity so I approached them and held one of them in my hands. Oblivious of her presence, the mother duck came rushing towards my back and poked my leg with her beak. Out of surprise, my grip lossened up and the little duck fell to the ground which slightly maimed him. To retaliate, I hurled a small wooden box towards them. The mother duck and the rest of the ducklings managed to dodge the box but one of them, unfortunately, failed to evade and was crushed to death. </p><p align="justify">6. <em>Wrestler</em> - Me and my younger sister were best of enemies when we were still young. We were extremely opposite in almost everything. One time, we wrestled over the remote control and we never seemed to stop. So my uncle came to intercept and separate us. Unfortunately, my uncle suffered as we bit and clawed him on his hands and face. My mama was furious at what we did to uncle. She took 2 knives and gave us one each and said <em>"galit na galit talaga kayo sa isa't isa ha, ayan yong kutsilyo, mag patayan kayo."</em> That ended the bullfight. I was 12 then and she was 11. </p>chreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817681437789523557noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7525937594471107724.post-44130164124053914362008-05-11T05:00:00.000-07:002008-05-15T11:02:42.755-07:00I Love You, Mama<center><a href="http://www.zwani.com/graphics/mothers_day/"><img alt="zwani.com myspace graphic comments" src="http://images.zwani.com/graphics/mothers_day/images/1-mothers-day-4.gif" border="0" /></a></center><br /><div align="justify">I'm probably one of the luckiest sons in the world for having such a wonderful mama named Clarita. </div><div align="justify"><br />Mama raised a brood of three by herself when Papa went to heaven when I was still three years old. Growing up, I saw how she worked hard and sacrificed a lot to raise the three of us. She's a supermama who juggled work, home and still have time take good care of us. Mama is not the typical mother who is expressive and showy about her love to us. She rarely say I love you and talk to us in the most intimate way. Despite that less talk and bonding moment, she never failed to provide us everything we needed. </div><div align="justify"><br />Mama was strict when we were still young. I still remember how I was upbraided when I puched my older sister on her back when she changed the channel. Whenever we ate meals, we were always careful when eating as she doesn't want to see foods spilled on the table. We were always mindful not to heaped our plates with food because she doesn't want us to waste food not eaten. I feared her whenever she's around the house because I know she would scold me again for not doing my assigned household chores or for doing it sloppily. And so I hid all the broom sticks in our house before she came home from work so she can't use it to beat me. </div><div align="justify"><br />There was one time I hated her so much after she had scolded me that I prayed to the Lord to take her to heaven. But after my anger dissipated, I immediately prayed back ardently and recanted all I had prayed earlier. I was such a lazy, selfish and a bad son and I deserved all the punishment she had given me.</div><div align="justify"><br />But the years I was away from home made me look at things from a different perspective. I learned that her style of motherhood was the best for us. We grew up to be strong, independent, and steadfast. I began to see her as a woman of strength, a woman of faith. </div><div align="justify"><br />Mama, thank you so much for bringing me out into this wonderful world. Thank you for your hardwork and sacrifices so we can live in this world with ease and comfort. Thank you for being strict as they made me become who I am right now. I may not be the most successful person out there, but I have great conviction and loyalty. And thank you for showing me what uncondional love REALLY means. Thank you for everything. Happy Mother's Day, Mama.</div><br /><center><a href="http://www.zwani.com/graphics/family/"><img alt="zwani.com myspace graphic comments" src="http://images.zwani.com/graphics/family/images/1loveyamom.gif" border="0" /></a><br /></center>chreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817681437789523557noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7525937594471107724.post-24226375161108906712008-05-08T09:49:00.000-07:002008-05-11T07:28:47.038-07:00Cheesy Me<center><a href="http://www.zwani.com/graphics/emo/"><img alt="zwani.com myspace graphic comments" src="http://images.zwani.com/graphics/emo/images/5blobhardcore.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.zwani.com/graphics/emo/" target="_blank">Graphics for Emotional Comments</a></center><br /><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">After I came home from the cathartic vacation to my hometown, the days following it had been remarkably different. Differrent in the sense that I had gone out of my comfort zone inadvertently.</span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">My friends have always known me as a telenovela hater. I've already had so much drama in my life so why would I bother to add more to it. Besides these shows are too cheesy that is way beyond normal. But lately, they have noticed myself starting to deviate from what they have thought about me. I was nonchalant about their observation at first but as I listened to a romantic song one late evening, it dawned on me that indeed something has changed in me. Of course, I didn't change to something undesirable.</span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">I have noticed that I started to become unbelievably sentimental and mushy. One time, my friends and I were together talking about the usual silly and puny things like celebrity gossips and rumors about a colleague of ours. They noticed I was quite, distant and seemed spaced out while the rest of them had a great time slandering. And then I broke my silence and started talking about family, relationship and forgiveness and other chessy stuff. The look on their faces suggested they were dumbfounded and then they started laughing. Questions like what happened to me, why I was talking that way, what have I eaten and stuff like that were hurled towards me.</span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">Honestly, I was not like that before. I was never sentimental and I rarely talk about mushy topics about family, love and whatnot. I guess, my realization to my family's status quo and my effort to strengthen the bond between us has changed me spirituality and emotionally. And this affected the way how I deal with the people around me lately. I sort of snapped out of being a tad shallow and I started to act maturely. Anyway, there's nothing wrong with being mawkishly amorous, right?</span></p>chreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817681437789523557noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7525937594471107724.post-69178629111217662782008-04-29T04:05:00.000-07:002008-12-11T14:08:39.493-08:00Cool Site<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">Some websites are really awesome while others are just plain boring. Yesterday out of boredom, I blog</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> hopped and found this simple yet outlandish website. </span><a href="http://www.deathclock.com/"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#cc6600;">Death Clock</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> tells you when you are going to die and it has a timer that tells you how many seconds you have left. You can also create your will, obituary, testament and other stuff. It's creepy yet ludicrous but spanking cool nonetheless. According to the site, my death arrives in 2068. I will be 83 years old by then. Sheesh.. I don't want to die that old. I don't want to see myself incapable of wiping my own ass after defecating or wearing adult diapers. </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></div><div align="justify"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194623071503480930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJ7DqFkzVVUbnOw6i9rjrMyq1wvMXx5HcnNYOM67nYx1NtGQkNZsE6R-88Xa1V9iYuDqIGChjxsrmgLMvHyGcsRDFbvajJAyRLjlhgOQGwBYgV2asvctAH9QOzKo4oMDB2XaJtAnQZr9Y/s320/ok.bmp" border="0" /></div>chreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817681437789523557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7525937594471107724.post-74254790068888799402008-04-24T17:07:00.000-07:002008-05-11T08:02:22.452-07:00Scared To Death<center><a href="http://www.zwani.com/graphics/insults/"><img alt="zwani.com myspace graphic comments" src="http://images.zwani.com/graphics/insults/images/bull01.gif" border="0" /></a><br /></center><br /><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">Last night before going home after my shift ended, I went to the nearest carenderia in my place to fill in my hungry stomach. However, something happened that scared the life out of me. </span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">Inside the eatery, I spotted two guys eating together, they seemed to be friends and one of them, a tall, mascular and brown skinned guy caught my attention. Despite that manly build, he appeared gay to me because of the way he was seated. He is such a huge gay guy, my mind had uttered.</span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">I've ordered a food to be taken out and while I was waiting for it to be served, a man bumped behind me. Glancing towards his direction, I saw him headed towards his motorbike and it seemed he was saying something offensive but which I vaguely understood. All of a sudden, the gay guy stood up and confronted him. Based on his reaction, it appeared he was furious and in bellicose mood. I miscontrued him to be gay. Both of them were in a heated argument and within a moment, the ungracious man grabbed something from the ground. My knees shoke when I saw a half sized hollow block on his hand. The commotion intensified when the companion of that misconstrued gay guy picked up an equally huge hollow block. Imagining huge hollow blocks flying in the air, blood splattering all over the place gave me goose bumps and scared me to death.</span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">Good thing that before the bloody fight erupted, the equally frightened tindera handed my food. Without batting an eyelash, I immediately grabbed the plastic container and walked as fast and as furtive as I can away from them. It gave me a sigh of relief. Few meters away from the fight scene, screams reverberated and bystanders not so distant came flocking. </span></p><p align="justify">Such incident really freaks me out. </p>chreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817681437789523557noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7525937594471107724.post-77996395706850033582008-04-19T07:45:00.000-07:002008-05-11T07:50:39.749-07:00Reunited<center><a href="http://www.zwani.com/graphics/hugs/"><img alt="zwani.com myspace graphic comments" src="http://images.zwani.com/graphics/hugs/images/14.gif" border="0" /></a> </center><center> </center><center> </center><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">I took a leave from the hurly-burly of the metropolis to attend to my older sister's wedding and to be with my beloved folks. Though I encountered a lot of predicaments prior to it, my vacation was worthwhile and it even served as a catharsis. </span></div><span style="font-family:arial;"><div align="justify"><br />The days preceeding my vacation were really tough. <a href="http://chressy.blogspot.com/2008/03/i-lost-my-wallet.html"><span style="font-family:arial;">I lost my wallet</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> and an inconceivable petty event took place that had me missed my flight. I had rebooked it but I was charged more than twice from the original cost of the ticket. That was too much but I accepted it without any complaints as I was in dire need to be home before the actual date of the wedding. Those incidence were melancholic and had almost left me at the verge of giving up but it never thwarted me from going home.</span></div><span style="font-family:arial;"><div align="justify"><br />Seeing some of my relatives and my mother waiting for me outside the airport smothered all the nostalgia and plights that life had dished out on me. My mom's presence filled me with so much joy that I immediately hugged her tightly. Me, my mom and my two sisters are not really that close. We don't bond and talk that much like most siblings and their mother would normally do. My two sisters are home buddies while I am always out of the house and spend most of my time hanging out with my friends. Though we are not expressive and showy about how much we care and love one another, deep inside we know we love each other more than anybody else.</div><div align="justify"><br />Being away from them because of my work made me value every moment I have with my family. So when I came home, I took the moment to show to them how much they mean to me. I didn't do it by saying I love you. Honestly, I feel ashamed in uttering those words and I haven't said it to anyone yet even to my dearest friends. I did it by simply starting a conversation with them and enjoying every second of it. If before I used to eat my meals in front of the television, this time I spent it with them and discussed anything under the sun. I swear, it brought me so much happiness by just doing it. It made me realize that what's lacking in our family is conversation. </div><div align="justify"><br />Beside talking to them as often as I can, I also did most of the household chores especially washing the dishes. When I was a student, household chores were one of the reasons of fights in our house. I was so lazy that I always whined and stomped my feet as loud as I can whenever my mom asked me to do a certain task. I would even malingered to shirk my assigned chores. Now that I've grown up and realized how I love my family, I've done almost all chores in the house excluding the laundry. hehehe.. Those were the things I did that I thought would strengthen the bond between us. And I believe it worked as we've already shared our secrets and plans for our future. </div><div align="justify"><br />My sister's wedding was succesful and that especial event was filled with bliss and merriments. The happiness I felt seeing my sister walked the aisle of the church going to the altar with my mom on her side transcended all the mishaps that had befallen on me. That moment made me realize that happiness can only be pleasurable and meaningful if it was felt after a series of frustrations and pains. And those strings of mishap happened to me to measure how far I would go, how long I would endure and how much I would sacrifice just to be with my family. </div><div align="justify"><br />The vacation only lasted for 8 days. It was really short but I savored every moment I spent with my family and I will cherish those wonderful memories with them. This Christmas and New Year, I have planned to visit them again and this time, I'll make sure it would be longer than this.</div></span></span>chreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817681437789523557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7525937594471107724.post-63953561947787335382008-04-07T10:31:00.001-07:002008-04-19T11:07:15.341-07:00Charlie Bit Me<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">My friend showed me this hilarious video from youtube and I instantly liked it. I've played it over and over again but I still can't get enough of it. I just couldn't help myself from drooling how cute these little boys are especially the younger one. They are irresistibly cuddly. I want to kiss and hug them tenderly and pinch their lovely cheeks.<br /><br />The older brother has a funny voice and British accent. I just love the way how he said <em>"ouch"</em> and <em>"Charlay bit me", </em>it's like a music in my ears<em> </em>and the look on his face when he said it from 0:21 to 0:23 is priceless<em>. </em>And Charlie is indubitably the cutest baby I have ever seen on TV or Internet. His bald, huge head and his smile are adorable. He looks so fragile yet I want to pinch him till he cries. I just love the way how he giggled when his brother was hurting. How I wish I could have kids as cute and adorable as Charlie and his big brother.<br /><br />Here's the video.<br /></span><br /><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_OBlgSz8sSM&hl=" width="425" height="355" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent"></embed></div>chreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817681437789523557noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7525937594471107724.post-62958315726927179562008-04-06T09:52:00.000-07:002008-12-11T14:08:40.775-08:00Skyscrapers<div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">I really have this fascination with </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skyscrapers"><span style="font-family:arial;">skyscrapers</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">. Whenever I pass by around a tall building, I could not help myself from staring at it and appreciate its hugeness and magnificence. I am still astounded how these humungous structures were erected and how they were built to withstand mother earth's fury. Despite its adverse effects in the ecosystem and contribution in global warming, skyscrapers for me, are still a masterpiece and definitely one of the manifestations of man's ingenuity and a telltale of human civilization.<br /><br />Here are some photos of world class skyscrapers:</span></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Ihuad9zzFl_Bc5dq0k4GoZQBH9oV3xU7eIF8CaEe_NS8RS4WNdrVxp-xeCtVqCWXRKVTpx7VEBErSfoczmAEIho7BKL0IyFEEFTLlDl75YLZzyMFV9KlCSIAe_LHnhv6UE70vjkij_aA/s1600-h/burj+dubai.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186197030602923554" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Ihuad9zzFl_Bc5dq0k4GoZQBH9oV3xU7eIF8CaEe_NS8RS4WNdrVxp-xeCtVqCWXRKVTpx7VEBErSfoczmAEIho7BKL0IyFEEFTLlDl75YLZzyMFV9KlCSIAe_LHnhv6UE70vjkij_aA/s200/burj+dubai.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN3FnofHRzVpNq_RH-uAA5gz4cCtnwJgCohxtySLw3sopBqpDXe7iALNjLzMDRO-mjcbuzwuL52jDPUWVGLGPy-6G8LIKje3IdXbMqBqOeF6icrz6lhSgJN6YbvTJBsWtz05ewnZqhgpxA/s1600-h/manhattan.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186197584653704754" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN3FnofHRzVpNq_RH-uAA5gz4cCtnwJgCohxtySLw3sopBqpDXe7iALNjLzMDRO-mjcbuzwuL52jDPUWVGLGPy-6G8LIKje3IdXbMqBqOeF6icrz6lhSgJN6YbvTJBsWtz05ewnZqhgpxA/s200/manhattan.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a title="Burj Dubai" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burj_Dubai"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#cc6600;">Burj Dubai</span></a><span style="color:#cc6600;"> <span style="font-family:arial;"><a title="Empire State Building" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empire_State_Building"><span style="color:#cc6600;">Empire State Building</span></a> </span><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhur8YqF8FuPqhEy3nhe6vti3ulradUB6oWOTzGlBbBh1CsskG4qrQZgtCIRn2Vtm2fUn-X3WlxU4QGKa_ylFE-nqzB7fzDVwLk8f4y9b7MLRE-FKAIs1q2K-7zgF5Qc5ooahngyULWo-X1/s1600-h/petronas+towers.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186198190244093522" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhur8YqF8FuPqhEy3nhe6vti3ulradUB6oWOTzGlBbBh1CsskG4qrQZgtCIRn2Vtm2fUn-X3WlxU4QGKa_ylFE-nqzB7fzDVwLk8f4y9b7MLRE-FKAIs1q2K-7zgF5Qc5ooahngyULWo-X1/s200/petronas+towers.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="center"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petronas_towers"><span style="color:#cc6600;">Petronas Towers</span></a><span style="color:#ff9900;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyEEn2v5R_F8Hdxu5tenrUNtVOIfmNq9kFX7Pg5bDHTdtFYUpf3gCWnEWhAwbWpyIlSNNk9Yg8yHc-cht9XoHU9mR0bjXqOa6RgTktYIaeZWjlrjDRoWuPgZxO4b5sdAfr0Qup3lJU-xEq/s1600-h/sears+towers.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186198795834482274" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyEEn2v5R_F8Hdxu5tenrUNtVOIfmNq9kFX7Pg5bDHTdtFYUpf3gCWnEWhAwbWpyIlSNNk9Yg8yHc-cht9XoHU9mR0bjXqOa6RgTktYIaeZWjlrjDRoWuPgZxO4b5sdAfr0Qup3lJU-xEq/s200/sears+towers.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYEfVGPotVR3kEd-eA3RmoZS7e0KlCubsBdcjKCpFMe925CG19m5HqIHv8TnOcv-7-PxnAPfSjHCFP1b_b9huKQQSV8jn33m16ogYS_R2HeuChQfTQhNri9GCPDBR90sVbFEJ02NzhhxD/s1600-h/taipei.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186199362770165362" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYEfVGPotVR3kEd-eA3RmoZS7e0KlCubsBdcjKCpFMe925CG19m5HqIHv8TnOcv-7-PxnAPfSjHCFP1b_b9huKQQSV8jn33m16ogYS_R2HeuChQfTQhNri9GCPDBR90sVbFEJ02NzhhxD/s200/taipei.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQVLgtYbMZiLvgGfNy4Mw_C68wEpYXUwpFPvvZrSX5GH-d19bMcTzBzf9U2lOdGRddj94MMhLQxRcjW7Ox0QqffRNfsXmWnI0uUwj48E4jpu57lSbwv_CTnL0uUkQG6tbWLhXaZW28W8V/s1600-h/pbcom.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186200019900161666" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQVLgtYbMZiLvgGfNy4Mw_C68wEpYXUwpFPvvZrSX5GH-d19bMcTzBzf9U2lOdGRddj94MMhLQxRcjW7Ox0QqffRNfsXmWnI0uUwj48E4jpu57lSbwv_CTnL0uUkQG6tbWLhXaZW28W8V/s200/pbcom.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="center"><a title="Sears Tower" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sears_Tower"><span style="color:#cc6600;">Sears Tower</span></a><span style="color:#cc6600;"> </span><a title="Taipei 101" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taipei_101"><span style="color:#cc6600;">Taipei 101</span></a><span style="color:#cc6600;"> </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PBCom_Tower"><span style="color:#cc6600;">PBCom Tower</span></a> </div>chreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817681437789523557noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7525937594471107724.post-66719592757878959362008-04-04T21:58:00.000-07:002008-12-11T14:08:41.178-08:00Intel to Pull Out?<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpwfV-3HXERLgPq8bG4KNUudO5-8UQVpkl3sAHYSZwE4CX0sWZGnGA7L4Lu8al1RJWKCi94uJgQN1JgC0p0YH0bvow0mVIRATlBvkysZ4AqueHSRDF1CuT3yiHL-WOjS-OnZ_VTmi-_8zd/s1600-h/intel.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185824004103331346" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpwfV-3HXERLgPq8bG4KNUudO5-8UQVpkl3sAHYSZwE4CX0sWZGnGA7L4Lu8al1RJWKCi94uJgQN1JgC0p0YH0bvow0mVIRATlBvkysZ4AqueHSRDF1CuT3yiHL-WOjS-OnZ_VTmi-_8zd/s200/intel.png" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">I've read a <a href="http://www.theinquirer.net/gb/inquirer/news/2008/04/04/intel-mulls-philippines-retreat"><span style="color:#ff6600;">news article</span></a> online and this is something really bad for our economy. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_Corporation"><span style="color:#ff6600;">Intel</span></a>, which employs more than 3,000 Filipinos and has invested $1.51 billion, is pondering on withdrawing its operations in the Philippines due to our country's high cost of electricity. Though this bad news is not yet certain, Intel has 6 to 9 months to decide whether to pursue in retreating their operations in our country or not. </span><br /></div><p><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">I just hope they would go for the latter as this retreat will have a negative impact in our economy. My compassion goes out to their Filipino employees who will bear the brunt by this said pull-out especially now that prices of commodities have skyrocketed. May the Intel officials, despite the staggering high cost of electricity in our country, would realize that Filipinos are hard-working, dedicated and talented workers and may this realization aids their decision regarding the fate of their site in the Philippines. </p></span>chreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817681437789523557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7525937594471107724.post-56069968262067913472008-04-01T05:20:00.000-07:002008-12-11T14:08:41.307-08:00Unscrupulous Taxi Drivers<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7vdPHtFSmAfO9Au5qKrAjZGqgI_DRfGlaz6qu2O4hmsB_MqHTQ0Yp0m7eM29hJ1YBbW1LQBfz1RvYla3ObQaOsEH5wfpRBwBbBQ_a4e0sdqJXJ73N2DkrbnmCGCVo0lj4mU-jV8o1Q2Uk/s1600-h/taxi.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184288093733510642" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7vdPHtFSmAfO9Au5qKrAjZGqgI_DRfGlaz6qu2O4hmsB_MqHTQ0Yp0m7eM29hJ1YBbW1LQBfz1RvYla3ObQaOsEH5wfpRBwBbBQ_a4e0sdqJXJ73N2DkrbnmCGCVo0lj4mU-jV8o1Q2Uk/s200/taxi.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">I had another encounter with an unscrupulous taxi driver just yesterday while me and my friends headed to a comedy bar in Quezon City. I'm pretty sure most people have their share of bad experiences with them too. </span><br /><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">We hailed a taxi along the intersection of East Avenue - Edsa and before we hopped in, I told the driver our destination. He responded saying <em>"Sa Laffline sa Timog?"</em> to clarify. I replied in confirmation by saying <em>"Opo"</em> and the four of us got in thinking he knows where to take us. There are two ways on how he can get to Laffline, he can go straight ahead to Timog where GMA is located or he can take Kamuning road via Edsa. Since the red light was on on the way to Timog, he veered to the left and took Edsa. Presuming that he would take the other route, I closed my eyes and took the moment to take a nap and relaxed. </span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">The driver should turn right from Edsa once we reach the Edsa-Kumuning intersection. Since I didn't feel any motion of turning, I opened by eyes and to my surprise, we are already past Kamuning. I blurted out <em>"Kuya diba sa Timog tayo, bat di ka lumiko sa kanan?"</em> The driver retorted sarcastically by saying <em>"Bat di mo sinabi?"</em> (It's as if it was my fault) The cool that I am, I ignored his sardonic reply and just said <em>"Okay, mag u-turn na lang tayo sa may Cubao".</em> He uttered <em>"San yun?"</em>. Hearing those words sent volts of anger to my brain and I became belligerent. I ranted at him. <em>"Di niyo ba alam yong way or niloloko mo lang kami?!! Kanina sinabi niyo di ko sinabi kung saan kami papunta. Anong di sinabi, sinabi ko yon bago kami sumakay. Kung di mo alam yong way, sana sinabi mo na lang sa simula ng mabigyan ko kayo ng direction at ikaw pa tong galit."</em> He continued on running his car. I asked him to stop. We got off the taxi, paid him nothing and slammed the door. This driver's style of shenanigan was so lame. It's conspicuous that he was just pretending that he wasn't familiar with the place. </span><br /><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">That was not the only bad experience I had with a <em>"mandurugas at gagong"</em> taxi driver. The very first encounter I had was 2 years ago. I was already late for my first day of training that time. Since I was new to the place, I took a cab and told the driver the address that I obviously read from a piece of paper. He must have come to realize that I was not familiar with the place so the crooked taxi driver took advantage of my innocence by driving me in circles around Ortigas Center before he sent me to my destination. I ended up paying 80 pesos. Few days thereafter, I realized that our office was just few walks away from where I hailed him. The cost would have been only around 30-40 pesos. </span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">Another one happened at Landmark in Makati City. After a friend of mine was done with her shopping, we went outside the mall and looked for a taxi. Since we are desperately in need for one as we have to run some important errands, we did not bother to fall in line at the taxi stand. We saw a taxi parked not so far away from where we were standing and we approached it. I told the driver our destination, he nodded and we got in. The driver fired up the engine and the taxi moved. However, he didn't turn on the meter. I told him <em>"Kuya paki on naman ng metro"</em>. <em>"Ay hindi kami gumagamit ng metro"</em>, he retorted. It was okay with me as long as we can get to our destination on time. <em>"Magkano po ba singil ninyo?"</em>, I asked. <em>"150 pesos",</em> he answered. I was taken aback with what he said that I immediately told him to stop the car and whined, <em>"ang lapit lang nun, tapos 150 pesos yong singil niyo. 50 pesos lang kaya ang bayad namin dun. Itigil mo bulok na taxi mo at bababa kami".</em> We got off and to retaliate, we left the door open and ran away giggling. This driver was asking exorbitantly. </span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">These unscrupulous taxi drivers need to be punished in whatever way possible. They may have swindled just a small amout of money </span><span style="font-family:arial;">but still they are cheating and their deception is utterly vile. They are no different to corrupt politicians. I may sound harsh and cruel but I always wish that these wicked and greedy predators will end up being robbed by their passengers or worse catch an accident while they are travelling on their taxi alone looking for another prey. </span></div>chreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817681437789523557noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7525937594471107724.post-8003261380562991722008-03-28T23:17:00.000-07:002008-04-02T14:24:06.551-07:00Ken Lee<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">My teammates have been cringing in laughter while blabbing about this Ken Lee video clip they saw in youtube. This video has piqued my curiosity so when our shift ended, I immediately went to Netopia to see it myself. </span></div><span style="font-family:arial;"><div align="justify"><br />The video is about a girl's horrible English while auditioning for a singing competition called Bulgarian Idol. If Alyssa Allano's rendition of "Keys Me" was funny, Ken Lee's rendition of "Without You" was hilarious. It seems that someone has already snatched the title from Allysa.</div><div align="justify"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_RgL2MKfWTo&hl=" width="425" height="355" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent"></embed><br /><br />Her accent in English is terribly bad that I hardly understood any word she uttered. If I was not familiar with the song she was singing, I would not know she was singing Mariah Carey's "Without You". Her pronunciation of the words "Can't Live" in the song sounded like "Ken Lee" and that's how the video got its title. Allysa is definitely much better in English than her.</div><div align="justify"><br />This video made me realize that Filipinos are indeed the best speakers of English amongst all of the countries in the world where English is not their native language. Beside the cheap labor costs, I think our fluency in English is the primary reason why call centers abound in our country. </span></div>chreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817681437789523557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7525937594471107724.post-5800203856617959752008-03-26T15:49:00.000-07:002008-12-11T14:08:41.463-08:00American Idol<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisN6DK8Q9VdKH1lDYIKqGdgmjVUoMKMoT26zJW-L6OC1aqe6cjY4ydZOUW5bp-VSUX4ULylGExMOkp4t4Dmk74ptM22K1siQmrGwkdXBqaCHbAhzA6G410bZUJOxBFtLnjAG-9hPlzd1fh/s1600-h/ramiele.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182693350901669106" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisN6DK8Q9VdKH1lDYIKqGdgmjVUoMKMoT26zJW-L6OC1aqe6cjY4ydZOUW5bp-VSUX4ULylGExMOkp4t4Dmk74ptM22K1siQmrGwkdXBqaCHbAhzA6G410bZUJOxBFtLnjAG-9hPlzd1fh/s200/ramiele.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">A Filipina has made it to the top 12 yet again in the highest rated singing competition in the planet, American Idol.<br /><br />I am not an avid fan of that show or any reality show in particular but knowing that a fellow pinoy made it thus far, liking that show temporarily won't give a pain in my ass. Though I dont get to see it as often as I want to because of my schedule, I find ways on how I get myself updated about what's up with </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramiele_Malubay"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#ff6600;">Ramiele Malubay.</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;color:#3333ff;"><span style="color:#ff6600;"><br /></span></div></span><div align="justify"><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I'm proud of her more than the 2 previous Fil-Ams because she can really speak fluent Filipino. Unlike Camille Velasco and Jasmine Trias who barely speak their native tongue. Knowing that Ramiele knows our language and she even taught Ryan Seacrest speak a little Filipino on national television makes me feel that she's really proud of where she came from. Her presence in that show is a great manifestation that Filipinos are truly talented. </span></div><div align="justify"><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Ramiele has a talent and good looks and there is really a big chance that she would nail the title. I just hope that the Filipinos in the state would be united and support her. If she won't make it as the ultimate American Idol (I hope she would), making it to the top 3 is already so much for me. </span></div><div align="justify"><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">How I wish we Filipinos in the Philippines can vote too. Being the texting capital of the world with over 25 million text messages sent on a daily basis, making Ramiele Malubay the winner is just a breeze.<br /></span></div>chreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817681437789523557noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7525937594471107724.post-12273229618630515352008-03-20T17:14:00.000-07:002008-12-11T14:08:41.731-08:00Pacman<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhngQUsXUs8arCndAqwJQwHYQbSVhGMKP7nZXpLrvXLiW2oRFYzCVEHRoZhZWz24byGje1sEAIRYiazUKBJ2xPitFie9sHCGYnqweZKXShmY4hX1lTKCvOkwu8HiuokhRNp_wk1EH-uMPm3/s1600-h/manny.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182694239959899394" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhngQUsXUs8arCndAqwJQwHYQbSVhGMKP7nZXpLrvXLiW2oRFYzCVEHRoZhZWz24byGje1sEAIRYiazUKBJ2xPitFie9sHCGYnqweZKXShmY4hX1lTKCvOkwu8HiuokhRNp_wk1EH-uMPm3/s200/manny.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:arial;">I was raised in a family where playing games have been the common form of bonding moment during family gatherings. As I grew up, the love for sport was etched in my heart and thus I became a sport aficionado particularly in volleyball. In fact, I had played that sport in school competition when I was in my elementary years. I stopped playing it when I entered high school as I became busy with my academic requirements. Beside volleyball, I also have knowledge on how to play a variety of sports such as bowling, billiards, dart, soccer and tennis. Basically, I am a sport-minded person and an advocate for its cause.</span><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></div><div align="justify"><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">However, there is this sport that is so popular in our country that I adhored the most. I hate it because for me, it doesn't really promote anything but only violence and hostility. Winning the game by striking heavy blows against the enemy until his body succumbs is despicable. It's no different to cockfight which is illegal in our country. </span></div><div align="justify"><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Despite my negative perception against boxing, we really can't deny the fact that this person has brought much pride and honor to our country. He has changed the way how foreigners thought of the Philippines, that it is nothing but a country striken with poverty and corruption. With his numerous victory in international boxing, he has made our country famous and has been dubbed as a nation of world-class boxers. </span></div><div align="justify"><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manny_Pacquiao"><span style="color:#ff6600;">Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao</span></a> deserves all the recognition a fellow Filipino can give to him. I am so proud of him and he has made me proud of being a Filipino.</span> </span></div>chreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817681437789523557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7525937594471107724.post-21127631821088712652008-03-19T16:04:00.000-07:002008-12-11T14:08:41.920-08:00Manila Ocean Park<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNvPqIvMTuhRJkR9E_iPpwuSk0olBZTURlWcvitx7iOKjK_4mB2k5GkBSooEnwi67To65BmlSLgHnjRygpjAxMkJvy3lRXkzKX7OuSwSBLawNW3Mm3TtcQg7yHpFm82hfh9csv9lOh_lUV/s1600-h/ocean+park.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182694828370418978" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNvPqIvMTuhRJkR9E_iPpwuSk0olBZTURlWcvitx7iOKjK_4mB2k5GkBSooEnwi67To65BmlSLgHnjRygpjAxMkJvy3lRXkzKX7OuSwSBLawNW3Mm3TtcQg7yHpFm82hfh9csv9lOh_lUV/s320/ocean+park.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">Ever since I've heard the news that a world class oceanarium will be opened in our country, my excitement to see it had soared so high. Finally, on Tuesday, March 18, 2008, the long wait was over as me and some of my officemates set foot at the<span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><a href="http://oceanparkmanilabay.com/"><span style="color:#ff6600;">Manila Ocean Park </span></a>(MOP). </span><br /><div align="justify"><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The Manila Ocean Park is strategically located just behind the Quirino Grand Stand at Rizal Park in the city of Manila. Though it is not yet complete, it's main attraction, the Oceanarium is already open to the public. The Oceanarium is divided into 7 sections:</span> </div><div><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">1. <em>Agos (Flow)</em> - a rainforest motif complete with 8 tanks of freshwater fishes.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">2. <em>Bahura (The Reef)</em> - exhibition of artificial corals in 48 tanks</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">3. <em>Laot (Fishing Ground)</em> - features big fish and Eagle-spotted rays in a long tank.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">4. <em>Kalaliman (The Deep)</em> - showcases marine animals found in the deepest parts of Philippine waters.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">5. <em>Buhay na Karagatan (Living Ocean)</em> - the main attraction of the oceanarium is a 25-meter long walkway tunnel with 220-degree curved acrylic walls similarly seen in Ocean Park Hong Kong, Underwater World in Singapore, Siam Ocean World in Bangkok, Thailand and Aquaria KLCC in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The difference between MOP's is a 220-degree curved tunnel as compared to the standard 180-degree curved tunnels seen in other Asian countries.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">6. <em>Overhang Tank</em> - variety of rays fly over while you're under this unique Overhang Tank.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">7. <em>Pating (Shark)</em> - features several species of shark.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The entrance fee for adults is P400 while for children is P350. The MOP is opened Mondays to Sundays from 10AM until 9:00PM. </span></div><div><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The MOP contruction has 3 phases. The First Phase is the Oceanarium which is already open. The Second Phase which includes the marine-themed mall and hotel will open in mid-2008 and the Last Phase, the open marine habitats will open in the second quarter of 2008.</span><br /></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">My experience at the MOP was a bit disappointing though. I expected the acryclic tunnel to be long. Unfortunately, the tunnel is only 25 meters long compared to the famous Sentosa Oceanarium in Singapore which is 83 meters. The sharks they have are really small. I wanted to see huge sharks big enough to devour an entire human being as what we've seen on films. The park's ambience failed to completely mimic the real seascape. Though the lighting effects are amazing, the flooring doesn't resemble the real sea floor as it is made of up typical tiles we see in malls. It is true that MOP is bigger compared to other oceanariums in Asia, however, much of the space are empty. I shouldn't have placed much expectations from our very own MOP as it is still in it's soft opening. I'll give it at least a year and once everything is complete, i'll see it again. I just hope that by that time, the park would be able to show its grandeur and beauty.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Nevertheless, this is the very first oceanarium in our country and this is something we must be pround of. The Manila Ocean Park is an addition to our tourist attractions and another source of job opportunities for Filipinos and income for the government. </span></div>chreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817681437789523557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7525937594471107724.post-11011843155698775882008-03-15T21:59:00.000-07:002008-12-11T14:08:42.117-08:00Not Feeling Okay<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgIy4Ne_mmI-hSIEewTT7ZeSQOg_iDzkWw4_QRorsunoxrG_mxvVeHXVD97nQ8y6g-7GhEeO5aSEBFHZE7AVOCHwhoo_x22JGnVeLGA4VGrnBJz5p7X0kDJyepCeM6KS61nwFhZkK4LD0D/s1600-h/doctor.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183772667593219490" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgIy4Ne_mmI-hSIEewTT7ZeSQOg_iDzkWw4_QRorsunoxrG_mxvVeHXVD97nQ8y6g-7GhEeO5aSEBFHZE7AVOCHwhoo_x22JGnVeLGA4VGrnBJz5p7X0kDJyepCeM6KS61nwFhZkK4LD0D/s200/doctor.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">I'm not feeling okay these past few days. I've been afflicted with petty illnesses that have grown to become much of an annoyance. </span><br /><div><div><div><div align="justify"><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Back pain has been one of my health problems eversince I started working in this industry. Everytime I'm not able to get enough sleep, my back aches and it feels like it's being impaled by a needle. Though my current work is relaxing, my lifestyle however can be identified as the culprit. Lately, I've been only getting at most 6 hours of sleep. Most of my time is spent on partying and I have also become quite busy with outdoor activities. Living alone in the metropolis is kinda lonely and partying and doing outdoor activites help me kill the boredom.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />The pain in my back still lingers despite the number of Salonpas I've put on my back and Alaxan intake. I guess my body has already become immune to those medications. This back pain is recurring and has been tormenting me for a time. I can't believe I allowed myself to suffer its brunt for more than 2 weeks now. This has to stop. On my rest day, I plan to indulge my body to a soothing whole body massage. I hope this massage eradicates the pain.</span><br /></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">Beside the back pain, I'm also racked with common colds. Our office is like a huge refrigerator, it's freaking cold inside. Since my shift ends at 1pm, when I go out of the office, the scorching heat of the sun awaits me. A sudden shift of temperature in our body causes a lot of illnesses and one of them is common colds. I hate common colds because nasal congestion always go with it. When you have nasal congestion, breathing has become a burden especially when you sleep. As far as I can recall, it's been more than a year since the last time I caught that illness. I was taking a particular vitamin that time but I discontinued it as it made me become hungry and sleepy, thus I gained weight. And I don't like it.</span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">These sickness that I have right now indicate that my body's immune system has become deficient. These should serve as my wake up call to take good care of body. Eating a balanced diet and getting enough rest are the best ways to prevent these illnesses from recurring. And it should start today. </span></div></div></div></div>chreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817681437789523557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7525937594471107724.post-69217763794496706922008-03-13T20:00:00.000-07:002008-12-11T14:08:42.321-08:00Smoking in Call Centers<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQn4zA_m6JpCELqvS7D02vKdA5G-XstAzl9muMIvR15zV7owwnQ1aGfZzu7J6zKkvj3UD4RVspxTsCGpchSgk-xr-axveDMGFe2nb9MpjpTzTUinsqq69jWPOUhyphenhyphen_YfSQ636DfByIfIgU/s1600-h/cigar.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183773311838313906" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQn4zA_m6JpCELqvS7D02vKdA5G-XstAzl9muMIvR15zV7owwnQ1aGfZzu7J6zKkvj3UD4RVspxTsCGpchSgk-xr-axveDMGFe2nb9MpjpTzTUinsqq69jWPOUhyphenhyphen_YfSQ636DfByIfIgU/s200/cigar.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">If you happen to pass by at Emerald Avenue in Ortigas Center at the ungodly hours of the night, you'll be taken aback to see a lot of people smoking. These people are mostly call center agents smoking excessively till kingdom come. For me, smoking in call centers is understandable as it is the most convenient and easiest way of releasing the tension that is concomitant in our daily work. However, if it is taken exorbitantly or it seems like much of a vice, that is already something else. I, myself smoke but I do it occasionally and not to the extent that I crave for it. I know it may sound a cliche but too much smoking is indeed bad for our health. </span><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br />Before you light up that cigarette and burn your lungs, take a moment to ponder on its dreadful effects and take control of it before it takes its toll on your health. Here are the few health problems associated with excessive smoking.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/health_advice/facts/smokehealth.htm"><span style="color:#ff6600;">Smoking</span></a> affects our cardiovascular system which causes myocardial infraction (heart attack), creates diseases of the respiratory tract such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and emphysema, and cancer, particularly lung cancer and cancers of the larynx, mouth, head and neck, breast, bladder, esophagus, pancreas, and stomach. It can also lead to birth defects of pregnant smokers’ offspring and impotence to name a few.</span></div>chreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817681437789523557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7525937594471107724.post-1098511463806232572008-03-11T09:36:00.000-07:002008-12-11T14:08:42.525-08:00Off for Vacation<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx4Bvwvgc_tIyTvIijJDcFMNnn_CcqfR3AIVLnutymSEjZ9g3HBfTwuaE3cjDALYWRK9ghJath41YHrTLlTQiOADVYNo6f1A1WaTtf9CPjI_lIO8qWLqp5ckez-FuBtA5-bEzEiHPdiUhp/s1600-h/luggage.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183774321155628482" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx4Bvwvgc_tIyTvIijJDcFMNnn_CcqfR3AIVLnutymSEjZ9g3HBfTwuaE3cjDALYWRK9ghJath41YHrTLlTQiOADVYNo6f1A1WaTtf9CPjI_lIO8qWLqp5ckez-FuBtA5-bEzEiHPdiUhp/s200/luggage.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">Finally, the long duration of nostalgia is about to end. Next month, I am off for a 10-day vacation to my hometown and as early as now, I have already purchased my round trip ticket to take advantage of the low air fare. </span><br /><div align="justify"><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I originally planned to go home this month to attend to my younger sister's college graduation. However, I had to cancel it as my older sister is getting married next month. Both occassions are important to me but I have to choose which one to attend to as I can't afford to go home twice within a hiatus of just a month. I'm gonna be broke if I do that especially I just lost a parcel of my savings few days ago.</span></div><span style="font-family:arial;"><div align="justify"><br />It's been more than a year now since the last time I went home and I missed my family so much. I am so excited for my older sister's wedding. This is the first time that a family member is settling down and this momentous event is something I shouldn't miss. Envisaging my sister walking the aisle of the church and kissing the man of her dreams gives me ambivalence. I'm happy because she finally found the man whom she'll spent the rest of her life. The man who will take good care of her and love her till the end. Im at the same time sad because my sister has to leave home and start her own family. Nevertheless, the happiness I felt trancends the latter. </div><div align="justify"><br />This wedding is not only the union of my sister and her fiance, it is as well a reunion for our clan as our relatives up to the 2nd degree from all parts of the country are invited. This is gonna be a merriment full of fun and excitement. </span></div>chreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817681437789523557noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7525937594471107724.post-88536108383845006482008-03-08T21:58:00.000-08:002008-12-11T14:08:42.694-08:00I Lost My Wallet<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFraG24hRZJUIqXTCTAQwh8kQV_rw-a_D7vpjCP-mQr6XbtMWUrSW2EY2Lb5QILH1AzWM-lHb4iK_vGGB8XW7_xc2ekm2BbP1p125VIgR8Sqd3rlsMFCjRLpfIIviWjrqpuOsZx843sf60/s1600-h/wallet.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183774815076867538" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFraG24hRZJUIqXTCTAQwh8kQV_rw-a_D7vpjCP-mQr6XbtMWUrSW2EY2Lb5QILH1AzWM-lHb4iK_vGGB8XW7_xc2ekm2BbP1p125VIgR8Sqd3rlsMFCjRLpfIIviWjrqpuOsZx843sf60/s200/wallet.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">Each one of us may have already experienced losing something we value so much particularly our hard earned money. Though it is just a mundane thing, losing something is surely depressing especially if it was lost out of negligence. I for one had lost the fruit of my hard work as a result of my recklessness.</span><br /></div><div align="justify"><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I lost my wallet YET AGAIN, the first one inside the bus and this time inside the jeepney. The person who found my wallet was very lucky because there was money on it, some coins and my atm/debit card. What worsened the pathetic situation was the fact that I had to beg for money from the people around the area so that I can go home as nothing was left with me not even a single centavo. Though I texted my friends and informed them of my predicament, I did not receive a reply from them right away as they were already sleeping. I attempted to call them but I did not continue because my cellphone might turn off as there was only one bar left on it.</span></div><div align="justify"><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The entire process of begging for money was really humiliating. I wanted to shrink and disappear. But I had no choice. I was already desperate. I had to do it as that was my last-ditch attempt so that I can go home. Some people that I approached were dubious of my intention but God did not completely forsake me as 2 good samaritans believed in me and gave me money. I was able to go home.</span></div><div align="justify"><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The strings of mishap did not end there. Oblivious of another evil that was lurking, I didn't bother to call the bank to block my card. I opted to just go to sleep and call tomorrow as I was already very tired and I also have work the following day. The person who found my wallet was a ruthless evil. Not only contented with the money inside my wallet, he swiped my atm/debit card and bought stuff from Mendrez, Mercury Drug Store and he even went to Malate and partied. I found out about this when I checked my account online to get my account number before calling the bank to block my card. I was extremely anxious about my money and at the same time furious about myself for my negligence. It wouldn't have reached that far if I had exercised caution and care and called the bank right away the moment I realized my wallet was lost. With the help of my officemates and some supervisors, my card was blocked giving me a sigh of relief despite the amount amassed by the nefarious jerk.</span> </div><div align="justify"><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Thanks to my friends and officemates who cheered me up and helped me surmount the plight that had befallen on me. I'll just think that I treated my friends to a sumptuous buffet if it's the only means I can do to avoid the pangs of regret.</span><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div>chreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817681437789523557noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7525937594471107724.post-79705678037864485632008-03-05T08:42:00.000-08:002008-04-06T06:45:06.069-07:00My Call Center<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">The past 2 years I've spent in the call center industry had never been easy for me. Not easy because those years were spent working just for the sake of earning money to defray my expenses and nothing more. When I was young, I dreamt of having a job that would give me fulfillment and satisfaction and something that I would enjoy doing. However, the work I had in my previous call centers had been tough and unbearable and it seemed like much of a drudgery.</span></div><span style="font-family:arial;"><div align="justify"><br />My previous call centers were for voice accounts and working there was like a hell. Hell in the sense that they treat you as if you're like a robot who doesn't get tired of answering calls for the entire shift. The only rest you have is your break schedule and putting your customers on hold. Calls after calls just keep on coming and there were even times that you're forced to render overtime because there were many calls waiting. I was living that kind of miserable life for 2 years from those 4 call centers. Working in those call centers had sucked the life out of me and the exhaustion had taken its toll on my health. I begun to hate working on the phone.</div><div align="justify"><br />Just when I was about to make up my mind to quit working in the call center and just go home to my province, I saw an ad in Manila Bulletin that has changed my life significantly. </span><a href="http://www.transcom-worldwide.com/"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#ff6600;">Transcom Asia</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> offered an email/chat support account. I never thought there was such a thing as email/chat support. All I knew back then was that call centers only handle calls. That is why it's called CALL center to begin with. Nevertheless, I dressed up and headed towards their then recruitment office at Ortigas Building. I applied and was hired. </span></div><span style="font-family:arial;"><div align="justify"><br />I did not expect too much from this company because I don't wanna be disappointed again. However, it seems that everything is working well specially when the new Transcom Center has become operational. Transcom is not a perfect company as it also has its flaws and one of them is latency. However, that did not hinder me from liking the company. There are so many things I love here. The building is awesome and huge. I love the design, simple yet elegant. The roofdeck is just so amazing and from there, you'll get a breathtaking and panoramic view of Ortigas Center and Eastwood City's impressive skyline. The facilities are as great as the building itself. It has huge rest and shower rooms with hot and cold showers, nice sleeping quarters, impressive employee lounge equipped with wonderful stuff like TV, dvd player, billiards table, air hockey, internet kiosk, magic sing, xbox and so much more. The pantry area is so big and is accentuated with elegant couches and tables in different styles and colors, 3 refrigerators and microwave ovens plus the area has lighting effects too. Computers are flat panel and a bunch of hdtv are placed everywhere. The company has a gym too. Most call centers don't have that.<br /></div><br /><div align="justify">Beside the state of the art facilities, what makes me really love my work, is the account itself. Email/chat support is an amazing account. This is the extreme opposite of my toxic accounts in the past. This account is the most lax and so far "epal-free" account at Transcom. Out of 7.5 hours of work excluding breaks and lunch, you're only busy for 5 hours while the remaining time is spent on browsing approved websites. Yes, there are sites that you can browse legally such as Wikipedia, Google, CNN, ABS-CBN and a lot more. Most call centers probihit accessing any websites other than those related to the campaign. Though there is a policy of not browsing unapproved websites, it is not really strictly imposed. The proof of that is this post. Blogspot is unapproved website but I made this post at the office. Of course I did it discreetly. Hahaha.. </div><div align="justify"><br />Furthermore, shift change happens every quarter and not every month. So your body clock ain't affected that much as you have ample time to adjust. The pay isn't bad at all. The compensation package is way above the competition plus hmo benefit is already available the moment you start your training. What more could you ask for?</div><div align="justify"><br />Working in this company has changed my perception that a call center is a purgatory, a place where one suffers and torments in exchange of something that gratifies the insatiable mundane desires.</div><div align="justify"><br />So for those who are comtemplating on resigning, don't prolong your agony. File your resignation now and submit your resume to Transcom. Who knows, this might be the company you've been waiting for all this time.</span></div>chreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817681437789523557noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7525937594471107724.post-92131605570373822302008-02-28T16:58:00.000-08:002008-12-11T14:08:42.925-08:00What If There Were No Call Centers?<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOnIRRlHn2paxZ8XkJn1U-5bEBXm_NnIxtBl5P4-g5yyaKrGbTBGsWWs6hcqdHYstyNb86fSS1_UVs0983Y2nLhMuABqdYP0uUKqMKu6WVH0BrIHR-GIR2e7aMCz-4NvdodXfsZJ_fps19/s1600-h/call+center.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183788876799794658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOnIRRlHn2paxZ8XkJn1U-5bEBXm_NnIxtBl5P4-g5yyaKrGbTBGsWWs6hcqdHYstyNb86fSS1_UVs0983Y2nLhMuABqdYP0uUKqMKu6WVH0BrIHR-GIR2e7aMCz-4NvdodXfsZJ_fps19/s200/call+center.bmp" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">While I was scouring a particular topic from a forum, my attention was stucked in a topic I have never thought before and had me pondered for a moment. What if there were no call centers? </span><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">As we all know, the call center craze has been widely felt in our country today. Since its inception in 1997 (i'm not really sure), the industry has grown exponentially and has provided a lot of job opportunities to Filipinos. It's growth has prompted the growth of other industries and has improved our economy significantly. </span><br /><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">If there were no call centers, I guess I would probably be staying in our province in Butuan practicing the degree I've earned in college and be overworked yet underpaid. The streets of Emerald Ave. in Ortigas Center, Ayala Ave. in Makati, and Eastwood City in Quezon City and North Cybergate in Alabang would not be as glitzy, lively and illuminated at night as they are today. We will not see much of those towering skyscrapers and humungous condomininiums erected around those business districts if not because of the presence of call centers. </span><br /><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">If there were no call centers, there would probably be few 24-hour stores like Ministop and 7-11 and the ubiquitous fast food chains like Jollibee and McDonald's would close at 10:00PM. Posh coffee shops like Starbucks and Seattle's Best would not be very popular and would not be selling like hot cakes as they are today. Those stores have become so famous to call center employees that even call centers use them as incentives to motivate agents in boosting up sales or improving csat scores. </span><br /><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">If there were no call centers, we won't see managers aging less than 30 years old, receiving 6 digit monthly salary. Climbing up the ladder would take one employee ages or sometimes waits till the next person above him retires or passes away (hehehe). Unlike in call centers where promotion is so fast that a year or even less, is enough for one agent to get promoted to supervisor. And the list goes on. </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The call center industry has made a great impact in the improvement of the lives of call center agents and helped leapfrog our economy. It's presence in our country has created a multitude of opportunities and it's tremendous growth has spurred the growth of other industries. Indubitably, the call center industry has contributed significantly in propelling our country towards development. </span></div>chreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817681437789523557noreply@blogger.com5